Ravi Ashwin defends Hardik Pandya, says all-rounder ‘extremely gentle’ and not rude

Indian off-spinner Ravi Ashwin on Monday defended his Team India mate Hardik Pandya at a conclave in Dubai where the Asia Cup tournament is currently underway. He said contrary to the popular perception, the all-rounder is “extremely gentle” and in fact, called him “a small kid”. Pandya came under criticism for his show in the recent Test series in England which India lost 1-4.

Both Ashwin and Pandya lost their places in the team for the final Test at the Oval for different reasons. While Ashwin sustained an injury during the previous Tests and was replaced by Ravindra Jadeja, Pandya was omitted for his poor show in the crucial fourth Test in Southampton and had to make way for debutant batsman Hanuma Vihari.

Ashwin backs Pandya

“He (Pandya) is an extremely gentle character. The way he comes out on social media is a reflection of his personality. If you have a one-on-one conversation with him you will feel he is actually a small kid,” Ashwin was quoted as saying by India Today in the session ‘India, India’ at the Salaam Cricket 2018 held at Hotel Address Boulevard in Dubai on Monday.

The talks at the conclave focussed on the 24-year-old all-rounder who has often been mocked over his comparison with legendary Indian all-rounder Kapil Dev. Pandya had his moment to hit back at his critics after he scored a fifty and picked a five-wicket haul in the third Test at Trent Bridge, his highest point in an otherwise disappointing series.

When asked about his comparison with Dev, Pandya said: “I am no Kapil Dev, I never wanted to be one. He is a legend, but let me be Hardik Pandya. I am good at being Hardik Pandya, I played 41 ODIS and 10 Tests being Hardik Pandya, not Kapil Dev.”

Many found his response to be rude and not in the right taste. Ashwin though felt that the player came “under the critical parameters a lot more”.

Ashwin also felt that the players who are representing India at Asia Cup have a good opportunity to make use of and shine for the country, especially in the absence of regular captain Virat Kohli who has been rested after a gruelling series. He also felt the same about Pandya, one of the six players from England who will play for India in the multi-nation tournament.

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